Definition

1. Noun:

   • A risky act or venture: An action or undertaking that involves taking a chance with an uncertain outcome, often with the potential for a significant loss or gain.
   • Money that is risked for possible monetary gain: The specific amount of money staked or wagered in a game of chance or speculative venture.

2. Verb:

   • To play games for money: To participate in games of chance, such as cards or dice, where money or something of value is wagered on the outcome.
   • To take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome: To undertake any action or decision where the result is uncertain but there is a hope for success or profit.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Investing in that startup was a real gamble. (The investment was a risky venture.)
  • He placed his gamble on the roulette table. (He risked his money on the roulette wheel.)

• Verb:

  • They often gamble at the casino on weekends. (They frequently play games for money at the casino.)
  • When you buy these stocks, you are gambling. (Purchasing these stocks is a risky action with an uncertain return.)

Advanced Usage

• "To gamble on something/someone": To risk money or success on a particular outcome or person.

  • The company is gambling on the new product's success. (The company is taking a risk by relying on the new product.)

• "A calculated gamble": A risk that is taken after careful consideration of the odds or potential outcomes.

  • Moving to a new city for the job was a calculated gamble. (The move was a considered risk.)

Variants and Related Words

• Gambler (n): A person who gambles, especially habitually.
  • He was a compulsive gambler.
• Gambling (n): The activity or practice of playing games of chance for money; betting.
  • Gambling is regulated in many countries.

Synonyms

• Bet: To risk money on the outcome of an event.
• Wager: A more formal term for a bet.
• Risk: To expose to the chance of loss or damage.
• Speculate: To invest in stocks, property, etc., in the hope of gain but with the risk of loss.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Gamble away: To lose money or possessions by gambling.
  • He gambled away his entire inheritance. (He lost all his inherited money through gambling.)

Related Idioms

• A gamble that paid off: A risk that resulted in success.
  • Starting his own business was a gamble that paid off.
• Take a gamble: To decide to do something risky.
  • I decided to take a gamble and accept the job offer.

Noun

1. a risky act or venture
2. money that is risked for possible monetary gain

Verb

1. play games for money
2. take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
   • When you buy these stocks you are gambling